The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1887-11-30

run chances OF a disOrdered digestion and uneasy
slumbers. ..Sic transit gloria mundi."
IN THE CELL ROOM
| 1t was announced at the close of the charel ser
vices that at O'Clock the doors of our cells
would be unlocked und that would nave the
freedom of the corridors for two hours. The only
sound that was heard in the cell house from 1915
| to 12:45 was the sound of knives and forks and
the clatter. of dishes that attended the consump-
ton of the bountiful repast provide for us. The
| first unusual sound that greeted the writer's ear
as he sat in full enjoyment of his post prandial
cigar was that of old asthmatic violin that
was trying to clear its throat after five mouths
rest. Then the melodious strains from a Jews
harp sounded softly the air. We were con-
graduating ourselves upon the truth of the old
adage that distance lends enchantment," Ito
the ear in this casc) when 10. in immediate
| vicinity some one started tune (?l on what we
| considered to be a cross between flute. fife and
brass whistle, with all the assurance OF vctori-
GUS chanticleer or a new!y-appointed gallery god.
The mouth-organs now joined in and divers in
| struments of four, five, and six strings. and for
a climax Mr.. Colligan followed the scriptural i'm
junction to play skillfuliy with loud noise' by
ringing the big gong, which was followed b. the
clashing of the heavy iron bars the rattle of the
of July allowed to mingIe and converse
| with each other. 1t was indeed busy and stir
| ring sight. over four inbred men rushing Ii Their
and thither seeking friends and acquaintance,
and endeavoring to employ every moment of their
two hours of liberty. There a number Of very
| fair musicians within the walls and the happy
owner of a musical instrument was always the
center of an admiring crowd. In one corner of
&c was INN
dance going on-two artists were giving minstrel
version Of coming thro' the rye" There we're
several clog dancers who also contributed their
| share to the enjoyment of the afternoon.
Suddenly the bell sounded, but it was not the
signal for us to return to domicles but to fall
| in line and march by the table where the deputy
warden stood dealing out cigars and good wishes
Soon after this the news spread rapidly through
the corridors that Warden Stordock was go ng to
speak There was a rush to the east end of the
corridor and the galleries were packed by eager
and attent We listeners. If the warden cares for
the appreciation and goodwill of the men who for
the past ten months have looked up to him rs
their chief officer. their hearty ana unqualified
welcome must indeed have beel grateful to him.
He spoke as follows:
when entered the cell house this afternoon
for the purpose of seeing you all in the full enjoy
ment of your holiday, had no intention of making
a speech and consequently have not an elabor-
ate address prepared Still there are 4 few words
which should like to say to you all In the first
place wish to thank you for your gentlemanIy
| conduct l venture to say that if we could 80 out
and gather together the first four hundred men
that we met, they would not conduct themselves
as decoriously as you have done. There IS an
other thing that wish to assure you of. and that
is, this administration is in entire sympathy with
you; that although you may have done wrong and
are now suffering the penalty for it. still we con-
slider you men, and we want you to act like r.en,
and when you leave here as take you by the
hand and wish you good bye and good luck, 1
want you to leave here determined to do right.
If you are willing to work for an honest living,
work can always be found. You may not be able
to step into a remunerative position at once, but
any honest labor is preferable to return to GRIM
nal practices. DO anything-saw wood for Iiv-
ing and have clear conscience, rather than wear
broadcloth that is obtained dishonesty. here
was time when the fact that man had been a
convict was a bar from his getting any employ
ment or receiving any recognition from society,
but thank God from the bottom of my heart that
that time has gone by. When you leave here if
you will try to do right there are many willing
hands that will be outstretched to help you. You
have every incentive to do right. If there is any
thing that can do, if there is any way that can
help you, will be only too glad to have you ask
me. only too glad to be of any real benefit to you
as you enter your life of freedom and respon-
sibility. Above all avoid the saloon as you pass
out of these walls. You will find them on every
hand with their aluring temptations but IL ere is
only one. safe way and that is TO avoid them en-
tirely. Do this. and the chances that you will
never again enter this a similat institution
There are many 9th er things that should like
to say to you, but your holidays scarce and
want you to enjoy every moment that you can in
comparative liberty, and trust that Won will have